Investment Q&A

Q: What should I understand about “Target Price?”

For example, what is the implied time horizon?; is this meant to guide investment decisions of buying and selling based upon forecast highs and lows?

Since you include this in your Company Profiles I assume that it provides something valuable.

Q: Are we nearing any levels where something is a screaming buy or do we need more washout?

Q: I heard something very interesting a few days ago. A study found that the average holding period for stocks by individual investors is now about 6 months. Back in the 1960's or 1950's, it was 6 YEARS. Obviously, there is a lot more information out there now, easier access to it, and much cheaper trading. Wondering what you think of this development, and how it is impacting (a) individuals' investing performances, and (b) the overall market. I think it is making the market a lot more volatile. Studies I have read over the years tend to indicate people who trade less frequently do better than frequent traders, on average, so on the surface, one would think the shorter holding periods today might be hurting individuals' investing performances.

Q: Everyone, in each decade of your life what should you be focussing on in your financial well being? Clayton

Q: What geographical percentage would you recommend for a portfolio for USA, Cdn and International stocks at this point in time?

Thank-you!

Q: Will artificial intelligence utilization in finance and markets be able to replace stock pickers and in the end financial advisers/analyst since analysis of companies data will be faster and perhaps more reliable and objective than performed by a human irregardless of his skills and experience. Already automated portfolios are created by a computer based on certain investment goals.
I would be interested in your perspective on this matter.
Thank you
Miroslaw

Q: I currently have about half my investments in US dollar (unhedged) assets. I would appreciate your view about the US-Canada dollar? Do you continue to see the Canadian dollar decreasing in value to the US dollar? Do you see the US dollar as having peaked, and trending lower versus the Canadian dollar, and versus the DXY?

I have been very surprised to see how strong the Canadian dollar has been recently given the tariff questions, and the fact the Bank of Canada has been decreasing interest rates more than the Fed.

Many thanks for your valued and insightful advice.

Q: Hi team,

My question is regarding Bitcoin. Do YOU hold it, and maybe an explanation why or why not?
An attractive entry price?
Are there other cryptos that seem appealing?

Thanks

Q: I recently read that the US has a major debt renewal pending in 2026. In order to save money it would therefore be in its interest to lower rates, significantly if possible, by lowering their current exchange and slowing their economy. Does this seem like a probable scenario to you and would you mind shedding light?
I realize also that bond prices are affected by other factors including creditworthiness. But it seemed an interesting theory of economic management, and US debt reduction is a hot topic right now.

Q: Which sectors do you favor most if we get a full blown tariff war

Q: I am concerned that the next few months will be as volatile as the past month as the US continues its tariff agenda. Do you think it is a good strategy to invest in other currencies. If so what is your opinion of these two ETF's. (Swiss Franc & Japanese Yen)

Thanks Stew

Q: A UCLA Anderson forecast just issued a recession watch. Its analysis was called…
“Trump Policies, If Fully Enacted, Promise a Recession.”
Can you provide your analysis of this report. Is this a legitimate forecaster with a decent record?
Thanks

Q: Hello
Can we get your advice on Canadian companies that have the least exposure to a tariff war
It would help us having to re balance
Ie should we reduce stocks in the financial sector
Thanks

Q: How important/accurate is the Atlanta Fed's GDP Now forecast. As you know it has turned negative for the last two readings. What does this suggest for the US economy? Please feel free to wait for the March 17th reading if that might affect your answer. Thank-you.

Q: I’m down on the above stocks in my cash account. Total loss is $6000 CAD. I like the names and want to own these long term. Would you sell and wait the 30 days? Buy proxies? Keep and decide when the madness ends? As always. Thanks.

Q: Hi - I'm trying to get a sense as to how much these companies have the trade/tariff war issues priced in. I know it's a short term question here, but would you wait to buy these great companies given the economic uncertainty? My sense is purely anecdotal, but my gut tells me that people are pulling back on extra spending....so while COST and WMT benefit from people looking for low prices, they may also avoid the spending on extras. Thoughts? In other words, would you expect negative earnings revisions over next few months on these companies? Even if trade war averted (unlikely), they still may miss this quarter as people are already tightening their belts.

Q: I am a senior in my 80s and have long appreciated the insights and research provided through your publications. They have been invaluable in helping me self-educate and manage my investments over the years.

That said, my portfolio has taken a significant hit over the past 3–4 weeks, largely due to the evolving economic and political environment. The ongoing rhetoric between Canada and the U.S., coupled with major changes in our Canadian leadership, has created uncertainty. Additionally, with a federal election approaching in the coming weeks and the impact of tariffs, the investment landscape remains challenging.

I’ve followed Peter’s advice that “the best action is to do nothing,” which I have largely adhered to. I have already sold most of the lower-hanging fruit and currently hold approximately 40% in a money market fund. The remainder of my portfolio is primarily invested in 5i’s three model portfolios.

Given the current environment, I would appreciate your insights on the following:

Do you foresee further downside in the market?
Would it be prudent to sell some of the winners now, or should we hold steady and consider adding to certain positions?
I value your perspective and would greatly appreciate any guidance you can provide.

Thanks in advance for your time and insights.

Best regards,
Rick Tysick

Q: Hello ,
I was thinking of buying TD technology leaders etf (TEC) instead of XQQ , the nasdaq 100 etf as it has performed the nasdaq and seems to be more diversified. Any comments please?

Also, I looked at the details of VUN and XUU etfs, They both seem to have similar holdings and over 5 year period both have similar performance. However , going over more than 5 years, why has VUN out performed XUU. I am not clear on this..

Regardless of the tariffs situation, the US market seems to do well over time, and hence i thought instead of total Europe exposure, go with VEQT etf. Any comments please..

Also, do you prefer unhedged products like VUN as opposed to VUS? Lastly, i use yahoo to to compare charts. Do you know a better site please? Thanks very much

Q: I still have trouble with market response to interest rates. Assuming Bank of Canada cuts lending rates further by the end of the year.

What is the expected effect on dividend paying stocks like Canadian banks, utilities and telecoms? What other factors could affect those sectors or is interest rate the key determinant?

thanks
Ernie

Q: Does it make sense in buying a small position in something like sqqq? Any other general short recommended? What is a suggested position size given for a short given that all my other positions are positive. Is my maximum loss limited to amount of money invested in sqqq..ie can it go in the negative? Thanks.